The level of luxury and opulence at this show reminded me a lot of Karl Lagerfeld’s interpretation of India is his pre fall 2012 collection. (One of my favorites!)

Similarly, this one was also very lavish and plush but with a very sophisticated 1001-Nights/ Arabesque twang to it.

I liked the contemporary tailoring contrasted with the fluid billowing shapes such as the harem pants and elegant flowing tunics with ethnic shoes. Tres Aladdin!

The signature tweed textures made cameos, both in light variations and more stronger monochrome tones. I was particularly enchanted by the folksier prints in sheer chiffon kaftans. I also loved the tribal embroidered fabric (Bedouin inspired, perhaps?)

It wasn’t all soft and demure, though. For instance, I appreciated the odd lamé metallic trouser thrown into the mix; unexpected and added edge!

MOST of ALL I loved those AWESOME bejewelled moons.

They added such a wonderful ethereal, exotic touch, especially paired with the models’ smouldering, sultry eye make up!

The gorgeous fabrics and textures stirred up some creativity inside me. Here are some fashion illustrations I created of the show.

Provocatively entitled “Blow,” his collection featured plenty of acid bright colours, statement prints, furs and plenty of interesting frou-frou details. I loved the ostrich feather embellishments mixed with beadwork that sparkled in the spotlight.

The eclectic combination of textures were so unexpected and constantly kept us guessing.

Although it was a very daring and bold, there’s no doubt that there was a pinch of feminine romanticism (i.e the floor sweeping hemlines and hourglass-enhancing silhouettes) but it was unconventional femininity.

Beautiful simplicity with a sporty, sleek twist is what sprung to my mind when describing Tahir Sultan’s collection.

Courtesy of Getty Images

His experimental use of jersey created some very versatile draped pieces ranging from floaty maxi dresses to more structured, slick ensembles. I love the striped patterned fabrics, the “50 shades of grey” colour scheme and the simple pearl adornments for a touch of understated elegance.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Sultan has successfully combined function with design by creating wearable pieces that are soft yet stylish – whoever said practicality has to be unsophisticated?

Courtesy of Getty Images

Zareena’s collection was very regal with Eastern influences. The embroideries and embellishments were multi layered, ornate and refined and the silhouettes ranged from graceful and flowing to sculptural and dramatic.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Paired with the most strikingly theatrical hairstyles, a few of her gorgeous outfits almost looked like they were from a different time and would make wonderful costumes for a fantasy film of some sort.

Having said that, quite a few pieces offered alot of coverage so they were very modest and could even be worn over the abaya just like designer herself had demonstrated.

Regionally appropriate and frankly, quite marvellous.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

To attend Amato’s show, one needs to be strong and merciless. This is because the queue for his sensational shows can get SO overwhelming. In fact, people START lining up for his show forty minutes in advance. With the huddles of people pushing and shoving, it’s like fighting a herd of aggressively bossy and highly determined sheep.

It’s survival of the fittest.

A full house crowd at the Amato show

But just like all things in life, if the bitter ain’t bitter, the sweet ain’t as sweet.

And I assure you, it his shows are ALWAYS pretty “sweet.”

Courtesy of Getty Images

This season was no exception. The designer was inspired by the conquests of Alexander the Great and his travels in Persia, India and Egypt.

The collection was exotic, rich and bejewelled and he enticed us all with the combination of sumptuous colours – ruby reds, emeralds and sapphire blues.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

The outfits were made from French lace and tulle, all embellished in sequins, swarovski crystals and plenty of flowers.

I loved the amazing gold tribal jewellery he used to cover the models’ faces, lending an element of Eastern mystery as they strutted grandiosely down the runway.

The woman I design for is a woman living a normal life in today’s world, but who stands out with her elegance and grace. She has something about her that turns head wherever she goes, leaving a trail of seduction and mystery behind. she’s a woman who blows life into the garment she is wearing.

Courtesy of Getty Images

What are your favorite fabrics to work with and where are they sourced from?

My choice of materials/fabrics depends on both the trend and my mood, and is not specifically limited to one type of material.

The silhouettes of your couture pieces are to be marveled at. Are the constructions of such a great challenge?

Of course it is a challenge. If I don’t challenge myself I will never evolve. In fact, it is essential for my pieces to have great cuts, it is a part of my signature.

Courtesy of Getty Images

How do you decide on your theme for each collection? Do they all have a story to tell?

In terms of creativity and inspiration, the world around me has always been a rich source of inspiration; it provides me with flashes of creativity all day long, from the moment I wake until I go to bed, and sometimes even in my dreams.

Anything can be inspiring, the music I listen to while I’m driving, interaction with people, when I’m relaxing at the beach, or reading magazines, watching other designers fashion shows, etc.

Another major source of inspiration is obtained while traveling, visiting new countries and getting acquainted with new cultures and fashion salons…

Inspiration is not only limited to my day-to-day activities, it can also be found in my dreams! I always dream about dresses or shapes and I wake up in the middle of night to draw them, and go back to sleep.
Each of my collection has a specific story and it is from that story that emerges the whole collection.

Courtesy of Getty Images

As an example my latest collection tells the story of a sleeping beauty who wakes up from an ever long sleep and finds her self within the confines of a sumptuous castle. It is with mixed feelings of surprise, and astonishment that the gracious princess walks through the aisles of the palace, and discovers a place glowing with royal opulence and yet holding an air of modernity.

How are your feelings towards exhibiting at Dubai’s Fashion Forward this year?

I am really excited to present my new collection there, especially that it is taking place in the big hall that seats about 1000 people. It is always an accomplishment when I get to the point of the runway show.

Your collections often have some very strong fairytale elements to it. What intrigues you about fairytales in particular?

I have always loved fairytales. They leave so much place for imagination and creativity. There are so many fabrics that can be used around the theme to express the romance, the magic and most of all the royal feel.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

If you could choose any historical figure, factual or legend, from the likes of Cleopatra to Lady Godiva, to be the face of your new collection who would it be and why?

I would go for The queen of Burlesque, Dita Von Teese, an artist who masters the art of seduction and whose fashionism and attitude captivated me long ago. There’s something about Dita that glows with elegance and captivates everyone around her. She is the kind of women who turns heads wherever she goes.

As soon as I laid eyes on the “Le Gala Des Mysteres” collection last year, I developed a deep “designer crush” on Rami Kadi and his DIVINE ball gowns. The tulle, the embroidery, the beadwork – it’s honestly what dreams are MADE of.

Imagine my sheer delight when I got a call a few weeks ago from Rami Kadi Couture in Lebanon to say that they would be interested in doing an artistic collaboration with me for Fashion Forward this year!!

I was elated and couldn’t wait to get started!

I couldn’t share any information about the upcoming collection until it was over so it was QUITE a challenge keeping it schtum.

His theme for the show this year was fairy tales and his collection had strong French Rococo elements and took inspiration from the set design of the film Marie Antoinette. It consisted of beautiful Laduree inspired colours, opulence, indulgent fabrics, decadence and femininity.

To set the tone for his show, his idea was to print out actual illustrated mini story books which would be placed on all the seats at the runway. (800 to be exact!)

In addition to this, those same illustrations were going to be projected onto the screen of the catwalk show before it started and the story was to be narrated live in front of an audience.

Here’s how my final illustrations turned out!!

His catwalk show finally took place last night and it was such an exhilarating experience to see my illustrations projected onto the screen. I’m still totally buzzed from the show!

As for the collection itself, it was absolutely breathtaking. The models all wore these magnificent peony headpieces which really complemented the outfits and made it look even more theatrical and dramatic.

The embroidery was so ornate and the fabrics were plush and lavish especially the embossed damask motifs. I really liked the shade of gold he used in the collection. It wasn’t highly glossy or metallic – just a very pale subtle sheen which was far more flattering and sophisticated than straight up gold; especially combined with pale blue.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Although the colour scheme was mainly soft pastels, brighter sorbet shades were also included which broke up the collection, keeping it from being predictable and giving it a sense of bold freshness.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Even though the silhouettes were extravagant, they were all incredibly tasteful and well executed. I loved how luxurious and heavy the fabric looked, the way it trailed behind on the runway and how the fabric was draped. My favorite gowns were these two.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

I cannot wait to draw them!!!

There’s MORE – I’ll be publishing an exclusive interview with the designer himself in the VERY next post to find out more about his design process and inspirations.

Fashion is the art
Designers are the gods
Models play the part of angels in the dark
Which one of you would ever dare to go against
That beauty is a trade and everyone is paid

Season 3 of Fashion Forward finally kicked off today at Madinat Jumeirah for press and public.

Outfit of the day – Dee by Dalia skirt paired with a Versace belt and quirky telephone bag

It was all very rock n’ roll chic at the Kage show with wild teased hair, dark lips, Bardot necklines and the odd flash of metallic. It definitely had a young, vibrant and vivacious feel.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Intriguingly, the collection took inspiration from a specific time and event – New Years Eve, 1983 to be exact! What I really loved was the general grungy-ness broken up with baby blues, gorgeous geometric details and metallic accents.

My favorite were these two outfits. I just love the rich, opulent, oriental print and how the fabric is repeated in the peter pan collars – great sense of continuity! I like how they are edgy yet pulled together!

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

The Emperor 1688 featured a tasteful and sophisticated collection. I loved their interpretation of classic English tailoring and contemporary take on Scottish tweed, wool and tartan.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

I was particularly captivated by the fur capes and the belted trench coats in this unique, rich buttery shade.

I also liked the idea of leather harnesses over floaty ethereal dresses. It’s the perfect balance of androgynous yet feminine.

Courtesy of Getty Images

The combination of prim bow ties, textures and their very British/Burberry-esque aesthetic – it kind of had a sexy Sherlock Holmes vibe goin’ on! Don’t you agree?

Well, I’m certain Jean Louis Sabaji’s innovative treatment of florals would make even Miranda Priestly sit up and take notice, for their collection proved that flowers CAN be inventive as well as fresh.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Bursting with skill, handcrafted techniques were used to mimic foilage, organic textures and petals in bloom.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Very magical. Very mythical. Very “Midsummer Nights Dream.”

I liked the ombre effects on the gowns in particular and the voluminous blush-pink rose gown was definitely a favorite of mine.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Finally, day one closed with the Ezra Couture show. His designs are known for their buoyant, diaphanous and exquisite edge. The designer is even getting popular in Hollywood, with celebrities frequently wearing his stunning designs on the red carpet.

Starting off with soft alluring pastel hues, his collection gradually got bolder, featuring shades of sapphire with statement armour inspired pieces that sparkled in the light.

Courtesy of Getty images

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Getty images

The chiffon had such an amazing drape and the fabric was so light and airy that it almost seemed to DANCE behind the models mischievously and seductively like the flicker of a flame.

Everyone was totally spellbound, enjoying the show – and JUST when we thought it couldn’t get any more spectacular …

It snowed.

It was SO magnificent and the bridal wear looked so poetic and pure. We found ourselves in a winter wonderland in the middle of April.

As an artist, it’s very tempting to become anti-social. You know what I mean – you lock yourself up in your studio and furiously paint for days, virtually going into “hermit mode.” I’ve done this myself, but besides lending a little bit of a stuffy air and added eccentricity to your reputation, the truth of the matter is being anti-social does nothing for you.

It is my opinion that it is far more enriching to go out there and get to know other artists/designers, collaborate and share your experiences. The best part about uploading your work and blogging about it for the world to see is you end up really engaging with your readers,forming great relationships and meeting/ working with some truly fabulous people along the way!

I’ve worked with London-based blogger Natalie Theodosi about a year ago on an illustrated project for her blog. We had an awesome time putting our heads together to do some serious brainstorming and came up with an end result that was both fashionable and artistic. About 3 weeks ago, the lovely Natalie approached me to collaborate with her on a great little project she has been planning. She explained that she is in the process of creating her very own publication based on her very succesful blog, “Le Bon Chic.” This 30 page print magazine will be distributed at London Fashion Week during all the main shows. I don’t want to spoil the surprise buuuut to give a brief overview, it will include some great features including interviews from the top fashion industry leaders, buyers , fashion shoots and OFCOURSE…. illustration!!!! (Which is where I come in, incase you haven’t guessed!!)

Natalie had some very specific ideas she explained to me. She envisioned the back cover illustration to include certain key characteristics of London. I was to create one full-page illustration incorporating elements such as the London Eye, the tents outside Somerset House and a myriad of street style outfits. In addition to this, we agreed it would be great to include some real portraits of iconic women currently in the London fashion scene to make it appear more personal, specific to London and unique. I loved the fact that Natalie was so articulate about her ideas, yet she had trusted me with my own interpretation and given me a certain degree of carte blanche to experiment. In the end, I decided to do a double spread of stylised fashion illustrations from last year’s shows and a more detailed back cover. This is how it turned out. I’m quite pleased with the end result, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how these will look at London Fashion Week!!

Only in Dubai can you wear electric blue pleated trousers to a casual trip to the mall and feel somewhat underdressed.

It’s what I love about the city. Others may whine that it’s superficial, flamboyant and OTT, but as a small town girl from Scotland who loved to play dress up and never quite fit in, I say over here La vie en Rose!

I love jumping into all the events this city has to offer with a hungry sense of fervour and gusto. My absolute favorite event being Fashion Forward. If you haven’t heard of Fashion Forward, you must be living under a rock. In a cave. In the desert. Across the sea.

Although it’s a relatively new event (the first Season started in April this year) the popularity of Fashion Forward has grown to epidemic proportions attracting glamazons from near and far like bees to honey. Not only are there sensational shows during the 4 day event, but extremely educational panel discussions and seminars from successful experts in the design and fashion industry.

The event is held at Medinat Jumeirah twice a year, and aside from the shows, seminars and snacks – it’s a great opportunity to take out that special little dress bashfully hiding in the corner of the wardrobe just waiting for just the right occasion to come out and play.

This year I have illustrated some outfits from my favorite collections and a brief summary of each.

The Dima Ayad show featured a striking Indian Summer colour palette mixed with monochrome aztec-like motifs. Rich shades of fuchsia, saffron and cerulean dominated the runway resulting in some gorgeous pieces including billowing silk trousers, and high low ruffled skirts. Wearable, eye-catching and bold – certainly not for wall flowers!

Pakistani designer Amira Haroon showed exemplary craftsmanship in her stunning collection. She used coloured lace innovatively with peekaboo cut-out design features, fringed detail and just the right about of crystal work paired with bejewelled sumptuous colours. I noticed her collection had a 20’s Gatsby-esque feel to it with the little feather details and make up and hair. Love!

The House of Fattam was another elegant collection, using rich shades with velvet and beautiful embroidery – particularly on the trousers (I’m totally coveting those and need to get a pair!)It was clear that the designers have drawn inspiration from Eastern culture judging by their attention to detail on the embroidery but fused the western design aesthetic in a wonderfully wearable, contemporary and creative way. The models were styled with interesting tribal like hairstyles and the overall look was ethereal yet exotic.

Ezra’s mesmerizing show included both the dramatically voluminous and the sleek and statuesque. Floor sweeping gowns in solid brights peppered with pearlescent accents sashayed the runway. Other top picks include figure hugging metallic dresses which gave the appearance of being carved straight from blocks of bronze and innovatively designed sculptural outfits made from a foam like material. All in all it was an amazing show with a gob smacking bridal piece de resistance.

Essa’s show had a Victorian feel to it with tea stained lace, brooches, bows and ruffles paired with diaphanous chiffon and textured floral embellishments. The collection started off in gothic dark tones like charcoal and black and later on moved into the most beautiful delicate colourful (painted?) printed dresses. It was classy, indulgent and just the right amount of bling!

Dina JSR’s collection had some great pieces that were interesting and some of the draped silhouettes almost had an origami delicate paper-thin feel to it. Her barely there muted coloured outfits in particular were stunning. I love the really subtle feather motif embroidery layered with delicate fabric. Very pretty and feminine!

Lastly, official title of “rock star of the fashion scene in Dubai” goes to Amato.

First of all, the que for his show got almost VIOLENT with pushing and shoving by eager and pushy fashion victims up to forty minutes prior to the show.

Hot and bothered, I settled down in my seat – huffy from my “traumatic” ordeal. What followed was nothing short of spectacular (and that’s an understatement). It was a unique twist of Marie Antoinette meets Memoirs of a Geisha with all the drama of Cirque du Soleil. The show was sensationally choreographed and felt more like performance art. The outfits were not only exciting and theatrical, but they were exquisitely beautiful too and successfully accomplishing both qualities can be very challenging, so kudos to the designer.

I could clearly see the origami-like structures juxtaposed with delicate tulle piled high high high in yards of volume. I was curious about the teddy bears attached to the back of each outfit which offered a kitsch-like element. Perhaps it symbolised childhood or purity?

The models did not just strut ..they performed…and in the most artistic entertaining and delightful way leading to a climactic showstopping finale. The excited appreciative murmurs from the audience said it all. As they say in Mortal Kombat…Flawless victory.

I couldn’t resist posting a little cheeky “look of the day” thing. Here’s photos of my sister and I enjoying the show.

And that concludes my article for Fashion Forward. I am now experiencing withdrawl symptoms and do not know what to do with my life now that it’s bereft from the from the exciting razzle dazzle of Fashion Forward. If you need me I shall be in the fetal position in my room rocking back and forth and dreaming of lace, crystal and tulle. *sob*

Ahhhh! My favorite time of year! Where my newsfeed is bombarded by a smogasbord of delectable and delightful couture imagery from fashion week all over the world. If Spring is thought to be the season of love, Fall is surely reserved solely for the LOVE… of fashion!!! I’m convinved Cupid is pointing his arrow at me from all directions as I am in LOVE with everything I’m seeing! From Valentino’s regal collection to Mary Katranzou’s digital prints, I am spoilt for choice about what to illustrate!

Let’s start with Anna Sui’s stunning collection inspired by Pre-Raphaelites from NYFW. I love the contrast of beautiful textures. From heavy crochet and velvet to lighter printed chiffons, it’s oozing with variation and interest. I particularly like the rich splashes of teal and emerald juxtaposed with sandy nudes and neutrals. The hippie headpieces give it an very bohemian and youthful touch!

Chanel’s ready to wear collection featured its signature tweeds we all know and love, but with a new twist. It has been said that Karl Lagerfield was inspired by art this season, particularly Jeff Koons and the Art Basel. All the ensembles had a very raw, artistic appearence. I love these outfits – the zing of bright florescent pinks and the make up and hair is almost doll-like and kawaii mixed with a kind of cyber element to it – particularly the rainbow theatrical eye make up.

Speaking of cyber, this is also what came into my mind when I saw these BREATHTAKING pieces by Peter Pilotto at LFW. His use of gorgeous washes of coloured brights with structured, oragami-like, stiff silhouettes and floral applique were both beautiful and futuristic. In fashion, so many collections take inspiration from the past. We’ve seen it all with 40’s Film Noir, the Gatsby Era and 70’s flower power reoccuring over and over so it’s very refreshing to see a completley new and innovative interpretation which is both wearable and ahead of it’s time. It’s like something Judy Jetson would wear to the prom!

Now, I love me a nice jumpsuit and Matthew Williamson’s collection featured a plethora of uber cool ones…and then some. The graphic floral print on this one is laid back with a Farah-Fawcett vibe. The whole collection was a mixture of feminine vs buisiness-like, with diaphanous fabrics and floral prints, mixed with sharp cool-as-ice contemporary tailoring.

I adore this look from Burberry Prorsum. The clash of prints and the striking red and black! The model is really working it!

I like to save the best for last! Elie Saab which I always rave about!!! In this collection from Paris fashion Week, I loved the beautiful floral prints on chiffon. Very oriental and reminded me a bit of Japanese silk painting. Timeless, pure, simple and elegant.

That concludes my favorite looks from fashion week! Hope you enjoyed it and stay tuned because I will be illustrating my favorite looks from Harper’s Bazaar Arabia soon, followed by Fashion Forward to give you an idea of what’s going on from OUR side!

There’s nothing I like better than illustrating fashion week! If you are an avid follower of my blog you already know that it’s one of my favorite things to draw. The fabrics, the colours, the prints..Mon dieu!!! After Fashion Week is over, I fully intend to paint my shortlisted favorite looks this year as well as some runway looks from Dubai Fashion Forward/Harper’s Bazaar Fashion Week but for now here is a cheeky little arty teaser of what’s to come.

Engaging and eclectic, fall winter 2012’s fashion week has not cease to dissapoint! Here are a few of my favorite looks from Paris, New york, Milan and London.

I love this look from Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week, and really like the idea of modelling the ensembles in pairs, wearing matching colour coordinated outfits that complement eacother – it really creates a memorable impact. The fact that it is arranged in this way gives the clothes a sense of continuation which stretches over two bodies rather than one – thus treating the pieces like art in terms of playing around with the negative spaces intelligently and artfully. Theres an almost andrognous look about the collection – Something cool, stiff, robotic and futuristic. I love the muted understated colour pallete infused by a sporadic burst of neon – this was emphasised further by being juxtaposed with a highlighter yellow striped runway in the background – and as if that wasn’t cool enough – the models came down escalators before coming onto the runway. Very unique!

On the right side – a romantic feminine dress from Cacharel (Paris). A beautiful movement of colours ranging from mint green, lilac, salmon pink and ecru. This pastel theme was broken up by the perfect dose of stronger colours like colbalt, periwinkle and even the odd unexpected dash of orange to add further interest. Floaty chiffons, floral prints and ruffles, this collection was unashamedly ladylike and prim – 100% sugar, spice and all things nice.

On the left – A very contemporary, minimalistic and eye catching neon ensemble from Diane Von Furstenberg. I love the use of colour blocking and I feel it really suits the model too – she really works it! This collection was said to have been inspired by travel and exotic destinations so it featured alot of kaftans, bejewelled embellishments and strong sharp colour with zesty, sporty streak to it.

(left) Betsy Johnsons show was carefree, kitsch and fun with eccentric clashing prints and unexpected colour combinations. With an eclectic mix of textures and fabrics her show was extremley flamboyant and deliberatley ostentatious. Betsy Johnson created a sense of real character with her outfits and the look was further pulled together with artistic theatrical make up, quirky accessories, lots of glitter and snow falling onto the runway. Whether you agree with her shabby chic taste or not, one thing is for sure – she certainly creates a lasting impression with a bang!

In a sharp contrast, the Zac Posden gown on the right from New York fashion week is classic and timeless. Materials like satin, tulles and floral chiffons are skillfully layered, ruched and pleated architecturally in this collection.

I loved the crazy individual prints predominant at the Dolche and Gabbanna show. The colours were rich and sumptuous in sunset-like shades and check out that mysterious fortune teller vibe she’s got goin on with this attire! It has a really South American feel to it which I love!

Marchesca presented a very mystical Orient-of-the East inspired collection. Exotic and very harem- like it was reminiscent of 1001 nights. The dress on the right is particularly stunning with heavy draped satin in saphire blue and gorgeous embroideries and crystal work.

The Versace show was bold and daring mixing psychedelic hues with statement piece jewellery and metallic fringing. Slashed in strategic places, it was sexy, young and vivacious without being tacky.

Lastly Micheal Kors – clever colour blocking in eye catching hues created a statement with a less is more approach. Featuring geometric shapes, bold stripes and sharp outlines it had a nod to Mod (haha geddit????) with a distict sixties flavour. Very Miami poolside glamour.